TITLE:
Optimal Location Determination of Some Public Facilities within Minna Metropolis: A Geospatial Technique Approach
AUTHORS:
Abdulkareem A. Umar, Matthew O. Adepoju, Ekundayo A. Adesina, Michael O. Bamgbose
KEYWORDS:
Optimal Locations, Conformity Assessment, Geo-Spatial Technologies, Spatial Analysis and Planning
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geographic Information System,
Vol.7 No.6,
December
30,
2015
ABSTRACT: Theoretical frameworks used to explain the location
of services include central place theory, aspects of industrial location theory
and spatial diffusion theory. They are all described as normative theories
which optimize with respect to defined criteria operating in prescribed environmental
conditions (Rushton, 1979). However, recent advancement in geospatial
technologies has led to several applications in geographically orientated
challenges, hence, the adoption of an effective decision tool like Geographic
Information System (GIS), high resolution products of satellite remote sensing
as well as the Global Positioning System (GPS) in solving the rather
challenging task of optimal location for facilities with respect to necessary
criteria. Minna metropolis is being affected adversely by the problem of
appropriate location of public facilities. These facilities are either too far
from their market zone or they are too congested in a particular location and
in some cases, political consideration to the siting of these facilities
dominate without given considerations to the necessary criteria for demands and
public interest. The study is an investigation into the “optimal determination
of the locations of some public facilities in Minna metropolis of Niger State,
using geospatial techniques”. The fusion of remote sensing, geographic
information system (GIS) and GPS techniques was explored. Geodata base of
existing facilities was created and Euclidean-distance geometry used to
spatially analyze the appropriate locations with regards to the set of standard
criteria. The results showed the haphazard and uncontrolled pattern of development
of schools location. However, petrol stations met the evaluated criteria and
optimal location indexes.